ICI: Discaya couple secured most Ilocos Norte flood-control projects

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) confirmed that husband-and-wife contractors Curlee and Sara Discaya — owners of multiple construction firms — secured the majority of the 150 flood-control projects implemented in Ilocos Norte.

ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the combined cost of the province’s flood-control package reached about ₱9 billion. Among the projects awarded to the Discayas were major flood-control structures along the Bongo River and Sinigpit Creek in Nueva Era town.

The inspection in Ilocos Norte was conducted as part of the ICI’s ongoing nationwide probe into 15 contractors linked to alleged irregularities in flood-control works. Teams visited project sites to verify complaints, check structural compliance, and review supporting documents.

“We inspected all the projects handled by the Discayas, as well as those tied to the 15 contractors identified by the President,” Azurin said.

The ICI earlier announced that it would prioritize 80 of the initial 421 flood-control projects under scrutiny, focusing on those with the highest number of red flags.

Following its assessment, the commission reported that no ghost projects were found in Ilocos Norte. “Sa lahat naman ng pinuntahang project, walang ghost na nakita,” Azurin said.

The ICI is expected to continue inspections in other provinces as part of its broader review.